I distinctly remember the short Japanese man with a smiling face who came to India around May 2005 to be part of the launch party of the Maruti Swift. His name was Eiji Mochizuki, Chief Engineer-Compact Cars, Suzuki Motor Corporation. He is referred to as the “Father of the Swift”. Automotive journalists from across the country took turns posing with him at the launch of the car for a photograph. I treasure my framed picture with Mochizuki even today. Maruti Suzuki (then the company went by the name Maruti Udyog Ltd), continues with the tradition of framing historic launch moments!
The Swift, which took the Indian car market by storm, since its launch in 2005, has now completed ten full years of success. Since its launch in 2005, the Swift has been a bestseller through the decade, surpassing its own records year after year. Over 1.3 million Swift cars have been sold in India. Says RS Kalsi Executive Director (M&S), “Over 1.3 million Swift cars have been bought in India so far, transforming the landscape of the Indian auto industry and inspiring new products, market segments and categories. Over the years, the Swift has evolved in features, looks and technology, often defining the changes in aspiration and preferences of Indian car customers.”
Swift has swept Car of the Year Awards in India, twice over, once when it was launched (2005) and again when the full model change was introduced (2011).
In its latest avatar, Swift Diesel saw a 10 per cent increase in fuel efficiency while Swift Petrol improved by 9.5 per cent, making Swift the most fuel efficient car in its category.
Maruti Suzuki has lined up month long celebrations to engage with Swift owners and enthusiasts to mark the occasion.
Looking back, I remember the brief test-drive organised at Gurgaon for motoring journalists to get an initial impression of the Swift. I remember being asked by nervous Maruti officials as to how the car was and what I felt good about it. I simply told them I was floored by the car and my gut feeling was that the car would be a runaway hit. I am so happy that I was spot on with my views. Later I went on to buy a Swift car (it still remains with me!) and I can vouch on some of the most remarkable journeys and moments I have shared with this Maruti Swift car. Another model from the Maruti stable that has evolved from this Swift is the Swift Dzire which is also among the most popular models for Maruti Suzuki. The legacy of Swift will continue for a lot more time, I am sure!
Uno Minda, a leading Tier 1 supplier of proprietary automotive solutions to original equipment manufacturers, has launched its new premium range of alloy wheels in the Indian aftermarket in collaborat...
Greaves Retail, India's leading fuel-agnostic mobility solutions provider and a unit of Greaves Cotton Limited, has announced the launch of its complete range of e-rickshaw batteries under the brand '...
Kia India is now offering an electric sunroof in its Sonet Smartstream G1.2 HTK+ variant. The model will be available at Rs 9.76 lakh. Sonet has already more than 3.3 lakh customers in last three year...